Other Goodreads reviewers have done a very good job of expressing their admiration for Louise Penny and her well-written detective series. There's little I can add except to say that Penny's distinction as a writer occurs when her exceptional talent at creating a sense of place combines with the carefully drawn characters in her books. You almost sense a bomb going off: of course, in this genre, the "bomb" is murder.

The mysteries that I enjoy the most are those that carefully expose the "players" in the drama. And, that is Penny's gift. In this book, the reader feels like they have just checked in the idyllic Canadian auberge and are ready to be wined and dined and pampered. BUT, then the other guests arrive and manage to invade that calm. One by one you meet your fellow guests and the inn staff and your holiday becomes less serene, but no less interesting.

Penny's people are dark and often difficult to be around but then Chief Inspector Gamache enters the room and your temper cools, your pulse slows down, and you are are eager to have a drink and quiet conversation with him.